John Philip Sousa was born in 1854 and is famous for composing over 100 marches – classic American patriotic music. Make a marching band with the children (you might need to invite some friends) and have a parade. Children love to make noise, so you don’t need fancy instruments. Try two pot lids as cymbals, a stick and an empty cardboard or plastic container as a drum. Sandpaper rubbed together makes a great noise too! Homemade flags or paper hats would dress up your parade even more.
Day of the Dead or el Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican celebration that remembers those who have died. It is believed that the spirits of the dead return so families visit cemeteries and decorate with marigolds to honor the dead. To learn more visit www.mexconnect.com.
A big group au pairs joined in a scavenger hunt at the National Zoo!
Born in 1728, Captain Cook claimed New Zealand and Australia as parts of the British Empire while he was looking for a southern continent. He was the first recorded explorer to visit the Antarctic region. He also discovered the Hawaiian Islands where he died in a battle with the natives.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater is a great read-aloud book for children ages 5-10.
Is there a local aquarium or zoo that has penguins you can visit?
Visit http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/for penguin facts, photos and activities.
In baseball, the World Series is the championship games of Major League Baseball in North America, played in October after the end of the regular season between the pennant winners of the American and National Leagues. The Series winner is determined through a best-of-seven playoff, meaning that the first team to win four games wins the series. The World Series has been an annual event since 1903. It is played at the baseball stadiums of the two teams in the series. Baseball is so popular that it is sometimes called the “national pastime.” The word “ballgame” in the United States almost always refers to a game of baseball, and “ballpark” to a baseball field.
See some photos from our trip to the farm!
John le Carré, a British spy novelist, was born in 1931. He was a spy but his stories are all made up. There are spy books for children too. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is popular with children ages 9-12. Younger children enjoy the I Spy books of picture riddles by Jean Marzollo.
“Hi, my name is Rachel, I’m 20 years old and I’m from Blackpool. I’m currently studying in Leeds after returning this summer from being an Au Pair in America. I lived in Washington DC for a year, looking after a 3 year old boy, making amazing friends for life and traveling America. It was the most incredible experience of my life and I hope to encourage some of you to take up the same opportunity!”
Three years ago I left my everyday life in Sweden to become an Au Pair in America. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than hoping to experience American culture and to take care of children. I could never have imagined such a great year!
I lived outside Washington DC in a family with 3 children. During my year, my host family became like a second family to me. The children were not only my host children, they were like my little siblings and my host parents became good friends of mine. I made load of friends from all over the world and traveled to many places including Niagara Falls, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, Texas and the Bahamas!!
I am now doing an internship in the London Office of Au Pair in America! I am looking forward to sharing my experience with you all on Monday and answering any questions you might have! See you there, Kajsa … xox
Please be sure you know all the fire safety tips, and review them with your children by visiting http://www.ou.edu/oupd/kidsafe/fire.htm.
